We had a really nice day visiting Muiderslot and Kasteel de Haar. It was a great way to get out of Amsterdam and see some of the countryside without having to worry about transportation and separate admission fees. The main reason why we chose Dutch tours is that we wanted to maximize our limited time in Amsterdam and be able to see both castles that were nowhere near each other. Each castle is unique. This met both worlds. Plus we arrived early before the large bus tours! Both castles were beautiful, but in very different ways. Muiderslot has a real medieval feel, while De Haar is much more grand and impressive, especially the gardens and the inside of the castle. We had plenty of time at both places to look around without feeling rushed. Our guide/driver was excellent — friendly, professional and very helpful throughout the day. The vehicle was comfortable and everything was well organized, which made the whole trip very easy and relaxing. We also appreciated being able to explore the castles at our own pace rather than being part of a large group. Overall, this was one of our favorite days during our Amsterdam trip. If you enjoy castles and history, I would definitely recommend this tour with Dutch Tours.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Snacks and cold drinks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Excludes
- Lunch
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- We meet at the terras of the Aloha cafe at the river cruises docks, waterfront: de Ruijterkade 151 -153, under the big bowling pin! This is a 5 minute walk from Amsterdam Central trainstation.
Return
- We meet at the terras of the Aloha cafe at the river cruises docks, waterfront: de Ruijterkade 151 -153, under the big bowling pin! This is a 5 minute walk from Amsterdam Central trainstation.
Itinerary
The Muiderslot (Amsterdam Castle) is a remarkably well-preserved, 700-year-old medieval castle near Amsterdam, founded around 1285 by Count Floris V. Located in Muiden vey close to Amsterdam. It features iconic round towers, a moat, and historic gardens. The next famous owner of the castle shows up in the 16th century, when P.C Hooft (1581-1647), an author, poet and historian took over sheriff and bailiff duties for the area. In the summer he invited friends, scholars, poets and painters, called the “Muiderkring” to the castle. At the end of the 18th century the castle was abandoned and became derelict. Luckily around 1900 enough money was raised to restore it, for which famous architect Pierre Kuypers was hired. It now serves as a national museum, showcasing 17th-century life, and armor. We have plenty of time to explore the castle! If you don't like narrow stair cases, you can discover the beautiful gardens!
We will have an hour here to have lunch, wander around the old harbor, defence walls and little shops in the picturesque center.
In the afternoon we take you into a magical fairy tale to the most impressive medieval castle in the Netherlands! Castle de Haar is characterized by its rich and extravagant history and the many special stories hidden behind the castle walls. First built in the 13th century it came in the van Zuylen family in the 15th century. The castle found itself in ruins after centuries of wars, and several bad storms, until Baron Etienne van Zuylen, who married Baroness Hélène de Rothschild, took it upon himself to rebuild the castle at the end of the 19th century. He enlists architect Pierre Cuypers for this project, the same architect who designed the Rijksmuseum and central station in Amsterdam! In the 1950’s the castle becomes a sought-after hotspot for the international jet set with guests such as Roger Moore, Brigitte Bardot, and Maria Callas visiting Etienne’s grandson: baron Thierry. The baron’s daughters and grandchildren still come to the castle for their holidays!
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
A small group tour to these two castles is the way to go. The castles have been extremely well preserved and showcase the rich history they have. Muiderslot offered a self-guided audio tour. The tour of Castle De Haar was provided by our guide and was very good. The castle is much larger and more recently inhabited with really interesting stories. Lots of small narrow stairs so make sure you’re fit with sturdy comfortable shoes!
Fantastic trip for lovers of history! The castle stairs are narrow and plenty so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and can climb stairs.
A great tour, such a beautiful palace, our tour guide was so informative it's a mazing that people lived like this, just lovely inside.
Sarah was an amazing guide throughout our day from Castle De Haar to The windmill village! Full of knowledge, entertaining and knew how to keep our kids happy and interested all day long! Highly recommend!
We had a great experience, tour started on time with great interaction and knowledge of the castle and the family history. It was nice to have a small tour without a large crowd. Would highly recommend.
We took the private tour to Nobles and Castles with Eva. She was very knowledgeable, personable, and overall a great person to have as a guide with us all day. Ever since we met her in our hotel lobby, we felt very much at ease. Eva made sure we were in comfort all the time. I highly recommend Dutch Tours.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email